DAERA encourages farmers and growers to participate in the 2026 Pesticide Usage Survey
Date published:
DAERA is seeking the support of farmers and growers across Northern Ireland to assist with the 2026 Pesticide Usage Surveys by sharing information on their use of plant protection products (pesticides).
Delivered by the Agri‑Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), these surveys rely on farmer and grower participation. By taking part, farmers and growers help ensure that future decisions, policies, and support reflect the real pesticide needs and practices of Northern Ireland’s agricultural and horticultural sector.
The 2026 survey covers Arable Crops, Top Fruit Crops and Soft Fruit Crops, with surveys commencing in October 2026. Farmers and growers selected through a random sample will receive a letter from AFBI requesting details of their plant protection product usage during the 2026 growing season.
How the 2026 surveys will work:
AFBI will send a letter and survey form to randomly selected Arable Crop, Top Fruit Crop and Soft Fruit Crop growers. The form should be completed and returned within two weeks in the stamped, addressed envelope provided. The letter will also include a link to complete the arable survey online, together with a contact mobile number and email address for submitting electronic records.
Any details given will be strictly confidential. AFBI may ring farmers to gather further information, however, no information on individual growers or their use of pesticides will be shared.
If farmers and growers have any questions about the survey, or need help filling it in, they will be able to contact AFBI via the details in the survey letters.
For further information visit the AFBI website Pesticide usage monitoring surveys or contact: pesticide.usage@afbini.gov.uk.
Notes to editors:
- The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is an executive Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB), sponsored by DAERA.
- Pesticides are used to protect crops against harmful pests and diseases or to control weeds. Examples include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, molluscicides, and plant growth regulators.
- Regulation (EU) 2022/2379 concerning statistics on agricultural input and output requires DAERA to gather data on active substances used on specific crops.
- This work is also undertaken in England and Wales by ADAS and in Scotland by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA). Previous pesticide usage reports from these regions may be obtained at the following sites: (https://pusstats.fera.co.uk/home) and (https://www.sasa.gov.uk/pesticides/pesticide-usage/pesticide-usage-survey-reports)
- The Pesticide Usage Survey programme has been undertaken since 1990. Since 2010 the surveys have followed a biennial cycle with arable, potato storage, soft fruit and orchards being conducted in even years (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 etc.) and outdoor vegetable and edible protected crops in odd years (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017 etc.). Surveys of grassland & fodder crops (last survey 2025) are conducted every four years.
- The surveys support DAERA’s regulatory requirement under the Sustainable Use Directive (2009/128/EC) and underpins the UK Pesticides National Action Plan, in that they supply data for monitoring pesticide use patterns and crop specific trends which in turn support risk-reduction goals.
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- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
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